Description
About us
The City of St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in race, equity, and inclusion. As one of the city’s strategic priorities, the city seeks to ensure all practices, programs, policies, and services of the city are fair, inclusive, and equitable. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences, and our strategic vision includes hiring and retaining racially diverse and racially conscious staff across all levels of our organization.
Job Summary
About the City of St. Louis Park:
The City of St. Louis Park is a first-ring suburb immediately west of Minneapolis. The city covers roughly nine square miles and has a population of 50,000. The St. Louis Park Police Department (SLP PD) has an approved, sworn strength of 63 officers. With civilian and dispatch staff, the department employs 84. Last year, the police department handled approximately 50,000 calls for service and wrote nearly 8,000 reports.
About the position:
Accepting candidates who may not be POST eligible until June 1, 2026. For out of state candidates, you must be qualified to be POST certified in Minnesota. See more info here.
Preserve law and order, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the St. Louis Park Police Department. Create problem-solving relationships with customers using a thorough knowledge of the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy. Work directly with customers, staff, and other city departments to assist in resolving problems/conflicts. Represent the city with a courteous, helpful and professional manner.
Police Department | St. Louis Park, MN (stlouisparkmn.gov)
Special assignments within the SLP PD:
Investigations (6), Secret Service Task Force Officer/Computer Forensics (1), BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit (1), Community Outreach (2), Drug Task Force (1), Field Training Officer (11), Training Officer (1), DWI/Traffic Enforcement Officer (1), K9 Officer (2), Additional Assignments: SWAT (13), Mobile Field Force (10), CNT (Crisis Negotiator Team) (8), Use of Force Instructor (10+), Firearms Instructor (8+), Armor (6+) (Rifle, Handgun, 40 mm), Bike Patrol, SFST Instructor, Explorer Coordinator (3), Reserve Coordinator (3), Chaplain Coordinator (1), Peer Support (7+).
What makes SLP PD different:
Culture where training, education enhancement and ability for advancement are prioritized for the professional growth of our staff and sustainability of the community we serve. All uniforms and equipment provided, Wellness Program, Work out on Duty, On-site Exercise Facility, TZD Enforcement (Toward Zero Deaths), In-house Dispatch Center, Full-time Fire Department.
Outreach programs:
Fishing with a Cop, Cops N’ Kids Holiday Shopping, Citizen’s Academy, New American’s Academy, Basketball in the Park, Parktacular, Polar Plunge/Law Enforcement Torch Run, Skate-a-palooza, National Night Out, Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Faith & Blue Weekend.
Other things to know:
Officers are paid double-time for working Thanksgiving and/or Christmas as well as any overtime on one of the nine contractual holidays.
Officers can earn up to 34 days of flex leave per year or 272 hours.
Interviews may be extended on an ongoing basis and position will be open until filled.
For more information, you can reach out to HR at HR@stlouisparkmn.gov or hiring supervisor, Lt Paul Barnes at 952.928.1421/pbarnes@stlouisparkmn.gov
Duties and Responsibilities
Apply the St. Louis Park Police Department’s community-oriented policing philosophy and articulates and utilizes the SARA model effectively. Pro-actively patrol an assigned geographic area. Maintain knowledge of assigned district and recognize neighborhood characteristics which affect the incidence of crime and disorder. Regularly attend neighborhood meetings and consult with leaders in both business and residential communities.
Respond to all distress or emergency calls, administer first aid, and investigate and report traffic accidents as required.
Enforce city ordinances and state and federal laws in a fair and uniform manner according to established department policies and procedures.
Make arrests and searches as required. Safely transport prisoners as required in accordance with approved department policies. Present testimony as required in court.
Investigate complaints concerning violations of various city ordinances and state and federal laws including interviewing/interrogating witnesses or suspects and collect and preserve evidence. Maintain order at accidents or crime scenes and obtain signed statements when deemed necessary to support potential legal action in conjunction with department investigators. Use assigned equipment available through the department in a safe and responsible manner, i.e., firearms, automobiles, computers, radios, radar, etc. Disseminate and receive information through telecommunication duties including but not limited to computers, radios, phones, email, pagers, and recorders.
Prepare clear and accurate reports in accordance with department policies.
Serve warrants, subpoenas, or other court administration functions as required.
Recognize opportunities and when appropriate, provide counsel, guidance, and service to the public as a means of developing community understanding and cooperation (public relations).
Report significant law enforcement information to sergeant or assigned supervisor. May also report significant information to other staff, officials, or responsible person(s) as needed based on the situation.
Demonstrate commitment to teamwork when working with other police department members and various city personnel on problem solving efforts.
Assist with inspection of liquor establishments and other license inspections as required.
Participate and assist in training or extra activities beyond the normal functions.
Provide the department with technical assistance, as needed or assigned, in area of expertise.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Officers may be assigned to one or more special assignments or a combination of special assignments.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Current POST license, eligible for POST license by June 1, 2026 or for out of state candidates, meets out of state or military reciprocity requirements.
Valid MN driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 60 days of appointment).
Eligible to carry firearm in Minnesota.
Ability to present evidence and offer credible testimony as required in court.
Learn the geography of St. Louis Park, including important buildings and the street system.
Physically capable of performing essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Experience with law enforcement in city with similar characteristics and size and service delivery/response.
